Forefather Celestial pacified their anxiety with a calm, amiable expression. “Don’t be so alarmed and tell us everything that transpired from beginning to end. You’re not to blame for the defeat. Escaping and bringing information back to us is a great contribution already.”

But the survivors still trembled in fear despite his soothing tone, regaining their wits only when the lone remaining wood demon forefather encouraged, “What are you afraid of? Forefather Celestial has absolved you of all blame, so make amends by reporting back. What are you waiting for?”

At long last, admonishment by a leader of their own...